Dean Jerris Hedges, MD, of the John A. Burns School of Medicine is an Emergency Medicine doctor by training. So he has seen first-hand the injuries which domestic violence can cause.
But the Dean also knows there can be emotional wounds, too. In an exclusive interview with “Hawaiʻi News Now,” Dr. Hedges told his story of growing up with domestic violence. Jim Mendoza is the reporter.
Watch the Hawaiʻi News Now report.
A longer version of the report can be seen HERE.
Dr. Hedges will lead the 2015 Men’s March Against Domestic Violence as Honorary Chair for the second consecutive year. The March begins on Thursday, October 8 at noon at the Hawai’i State Capitol. From there, placard-carrying walkers will proceed on foot through streets in Downtown Honolulu until they arrive at Skygate Park, next to the Frank Fasi Municipal Building.
Participants are urged to arrive before noon, around 11:45 a.m. or so, to make sure they don’t miss the start of the event. Only men are asked to join in the march; women are welcome at the finish line, where a short rally will be held. The emphasis on men in the Men’s March is to specifically influence men and boys to realize that no level of violence against domestic partners is acceptable.
Young men in the 2014 March.
UH President urges strong UH turnout for Men’s March
Students, student-athletes and leaders from throughout the University of Hawai`i (UH) system are expected to show their full support by joining in the march.
Men in the 2014 march.
The march is annually sponsored by the Catholic Charities of Hawai’i, the City & County of Honolulu, the Domestic Violence Action Center, the Hawai’i State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Kapi’olani Community College, PACT, and PHOCUSED.
“Silent too long”
Dean Hedges serves on the Advisory Board of Catholic Charities Hawai`i. But his personal life cemented his desire to help end domestic violence. “We have all been silent too long,” he said. “Domestic violence has to stop.”